The Tuscan Garden at Snug Harbor: Staten Island’s not so little secret

Architecture and nature lovers this one goes out to you! Can you picture yourself taking in the glorious sunlight and cool breeze during a summer afternoon in a Tuscan garden, equipped with a keen attention to detail in the art of Horticulture, reflection pools, and water fountain.  You can make this happen this weekend, if you really want to. Don’t despair; I promise I am not teasing. You don’t need to travel across continents to make this daydream a reality. The Tuscan Garden, at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Staten Island will make you feel as you’ve magically teleported yourself to Florence, Italy.

This New York gem is the ideal place to wander away for a few hours of the day and find tranquil peaceful solitude while taking in the beautiful architectural landscapes inspired by the famous Villa Gamberaia, a historic villa, built-in the early 1600 in Florence, Italy.

The Richmond County Savings Foundation Tuscan Garden, as its official name goes, features formal water elements, topiary and period plantings, such as olive and lemon trees. An enclosed winter garden and a green amphitheater for outdoor public programs and private events complete the Renaissance’s architectural design.

Eight other distinctive gardens reside within the Snug Harbor’s campus. The cultural center is the outcome of over 30 years of development and renovation. The grounds originally served as the home for retired sailors. Currently it is a cultural hub filled with history, environmental science programs, architectural design, visual arts, and entertainment for the family.

“Snug Harbor offers programs and attractions to help all the residents of Staten Island and surrounding communities. It is home to Art Lab, Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Noble Maritime Collection, Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbor Artist Residency Program (SHARP), Staten Island Children’s Museum, Children’s Harbor Montessori School, and Staten Island Conservatory of Music. Snug Harbor is proud to be a distinguished Smithsonian affiliate.”

Now let’s change the ratio of the times you’ve visited “the forgotten borough”. How many has it been? For me it was once prior to this one, and it was just the ferry ride, so technically this time was really my first! Visit the Snug Harbor’s Home Page to learn more about this Staten Island gem and to plan your visit.

Photos By: JBS

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